Direct Boxes: The Best for Your Budget — And Do You Need One?
Clean up your tone with the right DI box. We break down the best direct boxes for every budget — and why every studio needs one.
Zachary Darrel Randall
Guitarist, songwriter, and producer for Northern Crown and Miasma Theory. Lifelong audio nerd—started running sound for family bands at 5 and never looked back.
Latest
Week in Review – June 9, 2025
This week’s roundup includes reviews of the Adam D3V monitors, Roland JC-120 plugin, Pulsar Modular’s P821-MDN tape delay, and more — along with news on Behringer drama, streaming fraud, and synth picks for indie bands.
How to Choose the Best Studio Monitors for Your Space
Choosing the wrong studio monitors can wreck your mixes. This guide breaks down how to match monitor size to your room, avoid acoustic pitfalls, and pick features that actually improve translation across systems.
Week in Review – June 2, 2025
This week’s Sonic Odyssey roundup covers a major Serum 2 review, boutique interfaces, a golden MiniFuse, Dave Mustaine’s Metallica memories, and the question no one asked but we all want answered: can a quantum computer make a banger?
Top 5 Drum Machines for Electronic Music Producers
Looking to level up your beats? We’ve rounded up the top five drum machines for electronic music producers — from analog-inspired grooveboxes to modern digital powerhouses.
Week in Review – May 19, 2025
Gianni returns from double secret probation to deliver this week’s roundup, while the boss obsesses over a doomed copy of Condor Attack. We’re talking new gear, synth gossip, and a short break for Memorial Day.
Best Free DAW Software for Beginners (2025 Guide)
Want to start making music without spending a dime? Here are the best free DAWs for beginners in 2025 — including the easiest options to learn fast — plus pro tips to get recording right away.
Week in Review – May 12, 2025
Gianni returns to the spotlight (and probation) after nearly burning down the studio. We cover the week’s top reviews, gear news, AI weirdness, and a blistering rant on JHS that probably got us put on a list.
How to Choose the Right Audio Interface for Your Needs
Choosing the right audio interface is one of the most important steps in building your home studio. This guide breaks down the key specs, connection types, and features you actually need—so you can pick the perfect interface for recording, mixing, and producing without wasting money.
Hardware Synths for Guitarists: A Guide to Expanding Your Sonic Palette
Guitarists, it’s time to stop sleeping on synths. This guide walks through the best hardware synths that slot perfectly into a guitar rig — with real-world tips on layering, routing, and building sounds that punch just as hard as your amp.
Week in Review – April 28, 2025
Gianni the Intern steps into the spotlight (sort of) for this week's roundup of music production news, gear reviews, plugin launches, and industry trends. Plus, teasers for two major Sonic Odyssey features dropping soon.
Essential Studio Accessories: Must-Have Gear for Every Producer
Level up your studio with essential accessories that boost workflow, comfort, and sound quality. From headphone stands to acoustic panels, here’s the must-have gear every music producer should keep within reach.